‘Disgust’ and outrage as soldier avoids jail after beating Limerick woman unconscious

THERE has been a wave of outrage across the country after an Irish solider beat a woman unconscious in Limerick.

Cathal Crotty, aged 22, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, beat Natasha O’Brien, 24, unconscious and boasted about it afterwards on social media.

Mr Crotty, a serving Irish Defence Forces soldier, received a three-year sentence, suspended in its entirety, after pleading guilty to “assault causing harm”.

The court heard Mr Crotty beat Ms O’Brien unconscious in a random unprovoked attack, which occurred on May 28, 2022, on O’Connell Street in Limerick.

After the verdict was announced, there has been outrage across the country as protests against “misogynistic violence” have been announced.

Limerick Live has received many calls and letters from outraged and concerned citizens, who have called the actions of Mr Crotty “disgusting” and are worried about the "injustice of the Irish courts".

Limerick feminist group, ROSA, commented: “The disgusting, inexcusable actions of Cathal Crotty on the night of May 29, 2022, could have easily resulted in Natasha’s death. As so many times before, we have seen the injustice system favour a man’s career over a woman’s life.

“Natasha was 100% correct when she said that this has sent a message out, that men can attack women and not have to spend a single hour in prison. And they’re more likely to get away with it if they have a career in sports or in the army.

“Cathal Crotty is a violent, dangerous man, and he is allowed to walk the streets while Natasha O’Brien has to live the rest of her life with the horrific trauma of the attack. Solidarity to all victims of gender violence, and to all victims of queer phobia. This is an extremely horrific day for the women of Ireland,” they said.

This follows the sentencing, during which Judge O’Donnell told the court: "In fairness to him, he has come to court and publicly admitted his wrongdoings and he has made a public acknowledgment of his criminality."

The judge also told the court that if he was to impose a jail sentence on Mr Crotty, his “career is over”.

The judgment has been deemed outrageous and has shocked the country. In response, protests called by ROSA Socialist Feminist Movement will take place in Limerick, Dublin and Cork this Saturday. The Limerick standout will take place this Saturday, June 22 at 3pm on Bedford Row.

In a statement, a spokesperson said the Defence Forces “commend the bravery of the victim in this case, and hope for her full recovery from the injuries sustained”.

“The Defence Forces unequivocally condemn any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to or do not reflect our values.

“Any conviction in a civilian court may have implications for the retention and service of members of the Defence Forces, as stipulated in Defence Forces Regulations. Once due process has been completed in a civilian court of law, it then becomes a matter for the relevant Defence Forces authorities, in accordance with Defence Forces Regulations.

“As this particular case is now in the process of being dealt with by those relevant authorities, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” read the statement.